Hasselbeck not thinking about next year, contract

RENTON — Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, somewhat surprisingly, had no problem telling reporters Wednesday that he’d like to have quarterback Matt Hasselbeck back next season.

Hasselbeck said Thursday he’d like to return next season, too. But he also deflected attention back to Sunday’s game, which he insists is his sole focus right now.

“I’m very focused on this year,” Hasselbeck said. “We’ve talked all year, even from last year, Pete and I, Pete and me and everybody here. We’ve been very open about everything, and I would love to be back, absolutely, no doubt about that. But my focus isn’t really there. My focus is definitely trying to get this team winning games, trying to play well, and you do that, just like in a football game, if you focus on just doing things right, the score takes care of itself. That’s my mindset with what happens beyond this year. Obviously I love it here, all that stuff, obviously. Right now is not really the time to talk about that. Right now is just the time to focus on football and try to beat the Bears.”

In case you missed it, here’s what Carroll said Wednesday:

“Certainly, it’s a big topic for us. Of course we love what Matt’s done and we’re going to do everything we can to keep him here, of course. We don’t know the timelines or how that’s going to work out and all that kind of stuff, but it’s a big issue for us that we’re looking forward to. He’s had a terrific run for us, and we’re trying to keep that going.